In the tradition of Kathleen Woodiwiss and Rosemary Rogers, Splendor is classic romance at its best. Comprising a rich tapestry of characters, Brenda Joyce's novel brings to life the intrigue-filled parlors of Regency England and the hauntingly beautiful cities of war-torn Russia. Bluestocking Carolyn Browne, daughter of a bookseller, is both brilliant and daring: by day she sells books; by night she masquerades as a gentleman to collect fodder for the scandalous gossip column she writes for a London newspaper. When the dashing Russian Prince Nicholas Sverayov arrives in London on a mission, Carolyn plots to expose the notorious rake. But she underestimates Sverayov, and finds herself deeply attracted to him. Sverayov, though, is unable to commit to Carolyn because although he and his wife are estranged, his daughter and country must come first. Carolyn has always lived by her principles and finds she must compromise if she is meant to be with this dashing, courageous hero.


Book Description
She played a dangerous game. Carolyn Browne was a poor bookseller's daughter and an enlightened thinker, delighting London with her scathingly witty columns, written under the name Charles Copperville. Penetrating the town's gilded salons in male disguise, Carolyn soon throws her barbs at the wrong man-- the enigmatic Russian prince, Nicholas Sverayov.

He was a dangerous target. His notoriety, extravagances, and indulgent disregard for social convention fuel Carolyn's outrage. Nicholas has moved through the balls and soirees of high society effortlessly, a natural target of gossip, envy, and desire. But Nicholas is furious to find himself lampooned by Copperville, and quickly discovers Carolyn's dearly held secret. Now, as the two spar, a new game begins-- a game of deception and pride, of longing and chance.

And they played for the ultimate prize... As Nicholas sweeps Carolyn from the teeming streets and gala balls of Regency London to the splendor and majesty of St. Petersburg, against all odds the unlikely lovers embark upon a whirlwind of passion and peril until there is no turning back-- for the stakes have changed, demanding no less of them than the unwavering courage to claim the love of a lifetime.



About the Author
Brenda Joyce is the author of 26 novels. She lives in Colorado.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

She played a dangerous game. Carolyn Browne was a poor bookseller's daughter and an enlightened thinker, delighting London with her scathingly witty columns, written under the name Charles Copperville. Penetrating the town's gilded salons in male disguise, Carolyn soon throws her barbs at the wrong man--the enigmatic Russian prince, Nicholas Sverayov.

He was a dangerous target. His notoriety, extravagances, and indulgent disregard for social convention fuel Carolyn's outrage. Nicholas has moved through the balls and soirees of high society effortlessly, a natural target of gossip, envy, and desire. But Nicholas is furious to find himself lampooned by Copperville, and quickly discovers Carolyn's dearly held secret. Now, as the two spar, a new game begins--a game of deception and pride, of longing and chance.

And they played for the ultimate prize... As Nicholas sweeps Carolyn from the teeming streets and gala balls of Regency London to the splendor and majesty of St. Petersburg, against all odds the unlikely lovers embark upon a whirlwind of passion and peril until there is no turning back--for the stakes have changed, demanding no less of them than the unwavering courage to claim the love of a lifetime.

SYNOPSIS